Buenos Aires – Nissan Argentina started exports to Chile, in line with its commitment announced a year ago. More than 50 trucks will cross the Andes Mountains carrying 300 pickup trucks Nissan Frontierwhich is marketed in the Chilean market under the name of Navara, forming the first batch of trucks produced at Fábrica Santa Isabel destined for Chile.
“In Nissan’s business model, exporting and opening new markets plays a key role in the ambition to be part of the top 3 among brands in the region. We started exporting to Colombia a few weeks ago and today we are announcing the shipment of the first batch to Chile; each of these achievements allows us to continue making history in South America”said Guy Rodríguez, President and General Manager of Nissan South America.
Just like the model that has already started to be exported to Colombia, the Nissan Frontier is produced according to the Euro 6 emission standard. With the incorporation of this type of engine, Nissan produces vehicles that emit less exhaust gases and contaminating particles. This strategy is part of the commitments made worldwide by the Japanese automaker through its climate action plan called Green Program 2022.
A History full of recognitions
Nissan Argentina’s history as a car manufacturer and exporter began in 2015, with the announcement of a US$600 million investment to produce the pickup truck in the province of Córdoba. In 2018, and true to the promise made, production began for the local market and for export to Brazil.
In 2020, new investments of US$ 130 million were announced as a complement to the initial contribution, to continue renewing the product offer and expanding the integration of local suppliers.
In early 2022, the opening of exports to Colombia and Chile was announced, in accordance with the Euro 6 emissions regulations. To supply the growing demand, a second production shift was implemented at Fábrica Santa Isabel, allowing Nissan Argentina to double its annual production.
Finally, in January 2023, exports to Colombia began
In recent years, the Nissan pickup has received many recognitions. Some of the most prominent ones happened in 2017, when it was chosen as “Best Purchase 2017” by Motorshow magazine and “Best pickup truck” in Brazil by the following press vehicles and associations:
- Robb Report Magazine
- Brazilian Automotive Press Association
- Favorite Car
- Car and Driver
- Carpress
- UOL Carros
- Engine Memory
A year later, in 2018, the Nissan Frontier was voted “Pickup of the Year” by AutoEsporte magazine and “Best Pickup Truck” by Car Magazine Brasil. In Argentina, the Association of Automotive Industry Journalists (PIA) chose it as “Car of the Year 2018”. In the 2020 edition of the Car Awards Brasil, it was once again chosen as “Best Pickup Truck”.
During 2022, the renewed version of the Nissan Frontier was chosen as the “Best Pickup Truck of the Year” at the “Car Awards 2023”, at the Autodata Award and at the “Top Car TV Awards” in Brazil. In Argentina, it was recognized in the “Pickup and Light Commercial” category at the 2022 Autocosmos Awards.